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Featured Cheeses for May 2009: Wisconsin Queso Blanco & Queso Fresco

Wisconsin Queso Blanco & Queso Fresco are the May featured cheeses of the month.

Wisconsin Queso Blanco & Queso Fresco

As the popularity of Mexican and South American food grows in the United States, so does the demand for authentic Hispanic-style cheeses. Hispanic-style cheeses originated from Spain and are made throughout Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and now the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin is home to 19 of the 48 U.S. plants that make Hispanic-style cheeses. Among this category of cheese produced in Wisconsin are the varieties of Queso Blanco and Queso Fresco.

The literal translation of Queso Blanco is “white cheese.” It has a mild, fresh flavor and a firm, crumbly texture. Queso Fresco or “fresh cheese” is one of the most common in Latin American countries and is growing in popularity in the United States. This variety is sweet, mild, fine grained and crumbles easily.

Queso Blanco is perfect for many Mexican-style dishes such as enchiladas and emapanadas, as well as stuffed chicken breasts and peppers. Queso Fresco is excellent crumbled over salads and soups. Both cheeses are an ideal companion to tropical fruits such as mango, guava and pineapple.

A Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo is also observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. No doubt Queso Blanco and Queso Fresco will be in abundance on this day in many ethnic dishes. For updates to American favorites, try Queso Fresco on pizza and in lasagna or fried Queso Blanco cubes as croutons on a Mexican-style salad. For more information about Wisconsin cheesemakers who produce Queso Fresco & Blanco, pairing tips and recipes, visit www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.

Featured Supplier - Unique Food Concepts, LLC.

Quality cheese begins with quality milk. That is the philosophy at Unique Food Concepts, LLC., where the milk used to produce the cheese comes from family-owned and operated Wisconsin dairy farms satisfying the highest requirements of the dairy manufacturing industry.

Cheese production at Unique Food Concepts is led by a third generation cheesemaker. With more than 24 years of experience in the cheese industry, Andrew Herold, co-owner of Unique Food Concepts, LLC., oversees production of the Hispanic cheese line. These cheeses were developed after years of research, experimentation and market sampling. They are true to the appearance, texture, flavor and performance of authentic Hispanic-style cheeses.

Included in their line of offerings are Anejo Enchilada, Asadero, Cotija, Manchego, Queso Quesadilla, Queso Panela, Queso Blanco and Queso Fresco.

For more information about Wisconsin Hispanic-style cheeses, Unique Food Concepts or other Wisconsin cheesemakers, visit www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.

Wisconsin Queso Blanco & Queso Fresco Recipes

1. Grilled Wisconsin Queso Fresco With Black Olive Mojo
2. Mexican-Style Asparagus Salad With Wisconsin Queso Blanco
3. “Inside-Out” Grilled Cheese With Red Onion Jam
4. Wisconsin Queso Blanco With Roasted Tomato Sauce